Russell Martin claims that the Southampton star who hasn’t played yet this year has already been extremely “important.”
August 26, 2024, Monday, 09:00 Lewis Railton
Russell Martin has voiced his happiness that Southampton has one “brilliant” player on the team.
With two straight losses and no goals scored thus far in the 2024–25 Premier League season, Southampton has had a pretty dismal start to the season.
It’s unclear if Southampton’s roster is capable of competing in the Premier League after they were defeated 1-0 at St. Mary’s by Nottingham Forest and were unable to muster any kind of comeback against a 10-man Newcastle United.
This season, the Saints have made a lot of signings, including the successful return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes from their previous season’s loan spell, as well as the attacking additions of Ben Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer. But, the move that has fans most excited is the return of Adam Lallana to the team.
Although Lallana hasn’t played in a game yet while recovering from an injury, Southampton manager Russell Martin has said that the player plays a crucial role off the field for the Saints.
Adam Lallana’s pivotal roles are revealed by Russell Martin
The Lallana acquisition was always going to be popular with Southampton supporters, and even though he hasn’t played a minute for the team, his “leadership and football intelligence” are already benefiting them.
“We signed Adam for more reasons than just his presence on the field. That’s what I stated back then. He will be a voice and a major motivator for us when it comes to the players in that group.
“He’s been excellent for the team. Though he’s back on the field and should be playing within the next week or two, he’s more than simply a player for us.
It has to do with everything he offers in terms of leadership, football acumen, faith in our playing philosophy, and club knowledge.
“Having been there himself, he understands the struggles that the young guys have faced. It will be really significant to us. He will be a very, very significant addition.
Adam Lallana has the ability to change Southampton’s season.
Even though it is far too early to say that Southampton will undoubtedly be hovering near relegation this season, they most likely will be in the lower half of the standings.
Although they don’t appear to have one in their starting lineup right now, Lallana will undoubtedly add expertise to the team when he returns from injury. As the team’s first two seasons demonstrated, Southampton has practically been begging for an experienced leader in the center of the park.
Off the field, the 36-year-old has already had a big, positive influence on the players, and there’s no reason to think he can’t do the same on the turf.
Although Lallana adds so much value to the team, it initially appeared like the deal was made to placate Southampton supporters. When he returns, there’s no doubt that he will make a big impact.
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